Pirates, White Sox Pursuing Derek Holland

As Major League Baseball’s Winter Meetings continue, so does the Pittsburgh Pirates’ search for starting pitching help. One name they have been connected to is left-handed starting pitcher Derek Holland.

It is no secret that the Pittsburgh Pirates need starting pitching help this offseason. That is a topic that has been beat to death by fans and covered extensively by websites such as ours. One name they have been tied to is Derek Holland.

The 30-year old left-handed pitcher expressed interest in joining the Pirates earlier in the offseason. This is due to the Pirates’ ability to rehabilitate starting pitcher. Then, yesterday, MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Pirates and Chicago White Sox were the two teams pursuing Derek Holland the most.

According to reports, the Pirates are set to meet with representatives of Derek Holland during this week’s meetings. This further indicates possible mutual interest between the two sides. However, personally, unless it is on a Minor League contract I hope the Pirates stay away from Derek Holland.

Throughout his Major League career Derek Holland has had problems staying healthy. Last season Holland pitched just 107 innings due to injuries. Furthermore, there have been three seasons in which he has pitched less than 100 innings.

Additionally, Holland is not very good. Last season he averaged just 5.62 K/9 while allowing 15 home runs (1.29 HR/9). His ground ball rate was a lowly 38.3 percent and his WHIP was 1.41. All of this led to Holland posting a 4.95 ERA, 4.5 FIP, and a 5.14 xFIP in 2016.

In 985 career innings pitched Derek Holland is averaging 1.21 HR/9, his ground ball rate is just 42.3 percent, and his WHIP is 1.33. He owns a career 4.35 ERA, 4.25 FIP, 4.11 xFIP, and just a 12.0 WAR.

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Derek Holland’s Steamer Projections for 2017 are not pretty. He is projected to post a 4.35 ERA, 4.46 FIP, and a 4.65 xFIP in 2017. In fact, the recently DFA’d Jeff Locke has better projections for 2017 than Holland does.

In my opinion, the Pirates would be better off in seeing what they have in pitchers such as Trevor Williams, Steven Brault, and Drew Hutchison instead of signing Derek Holland. As far as I am concerned, the White Sox can have him. Unless it is on a Minor League contract, I want no part of Derek Holland in Pittsburgh.